Metascore®Mixed or average reviewsbased on a weighted average of allcritic review scores.

100

out of 100

Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

This movie is one of the most relentlessly nonstop action pictures ever made, with a virtuoso series of climactic sequences that must last an hour and never stop for a second. It's a roller-coaster ride, a visual extravaganza, a technical triumph, and a whole lot of fun.

Spielberg has gone to such lengths to avoid boredom that he has leaped squarely into the opposite trap: this movie has such unrelenting action that it jackhammers you into a punch-drunk stupor. This may be the first movie whose audience O.D.'s on action. [4 June 1984, p.78]

60

out of 100

The New York TimesVincent Canby

Watching it is like spending a day at an amusement park, which is probably what Mr. Spielberg and his associates intended. It moves tirelessly from one ride or attraction to the next, only occasionally taking a minute out for a hot dog, and then going right on to the next unspeakable experience.

Parents need to know that this installment in the Indiana Jones trilogy -- along with Gremlins -- is the reason the PG-13 rating was ultimately created. In addition to the fights that marked the first Indy movie, this one also has potentially nightmare-inducing scenes of things like a man's beating heart being torn right out of his chest. Children are also worked near to death in the mines, and there are lots of gross-out activities -- none more nauseating than the eating of monkey brains and live snakes. There's also a bit of language and some flirting/sexual banter.

Families can talk about stereotypes in movies. Do you see any stereotypes in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom? How can a stereotype be fun -- and how can it be offensive? Where do you draw the line?

What does Indiana Jones stand for? If he's a good guy, why does he break the rules? Is that OK? What separates him from the "bad" guys? Are real-life bad guys as thoroughly evil as the ones in movies?

Talk about the history behind the PG-13 rating. Do you think it was a good addition to the rating system? Why do you think this movie contributed to that decision?

The good stuff

Messages: Perseverance, teamwork, and trying to do the right thing are ultimately rewarded, although some of Indy's methods are iffy. There are very clear lines between good guys and bad guys.

Role models: Indy is brave, resourceful, loyal, and smart, and he's dedicated to preserving historical artifacts and protecting them from those who would misuse them. That said, you probably don't want your kids imitating him, especially given the violence he's forced to use -- and his tendency to break the rules. Willie becomes stronger and more resilient throughout the movie. On the downside, many of the movie's ethnic characters are shady or downright barbarous.

What to watch for

Violence: Hand-to-hand combat and gunfights. Indiana Jones is severely scourged. Some very scary scenes set in the temple that include torture and human sacrifice, including the removal of still-beating hearts. Also some gross-out scenes with bugs, unusual foods (monkey brains!), and more. Indy frequently uses his whip.

Sex: Generally mild flirting/sexual banter between Jones and Willie. Some cleavage and short/suggestive outfits. Innuendo. Indy must push on a statue's breast to open a secret passage.

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